Last updated Written by Lottery reporter
In Germany, lotteries are strictly state-regulated under the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). The state lotteries are run by 16 state lottery companies, one per federal state, which work together in the Deutscher Lotto- und Totoblock (DLTB). Their best-known games are Lotto 6aus49 and Eurojackpot.
Key facts
| Regulator | Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) and the state interior ministries |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Tax on prizes | None: lottery winnings are tax-free |
| Stakes 2024 | About €8.56 billion (DLTB, record year) |
| To society | About €3.42 billion in 2024 |
Law and regulation
The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 is the legal basis. The GGL oversees player protection across the market and takes action against illegal online gambling, including unlicensed sites that take bets on the outcome of lottery draws. Only the lotteries of the 16 state companies and state-licensed social lotteries are legal in Germany.
The main German lotteries
Lotto 6aus49
The classic since 1955: pick 6 numbers out of 49 plus a Superzahl from 0 to 9. Draws on Wednesday and Saturday. Lotto 6aus49 rules and draws
Eurojackpot
The European draw game: 5 numbers out of 50 plus 2 Euro numbers. Draws on Tuesday and Friday, with a jackpot cap of €120 million. Eurojackpot in Germany
GlücksSpirale
An annuity lottery with a draw every Saturday at 19:15. The top prize is €10,000 a month for 20 years, or €2.1 million paid out at once.
KENO
A daily numbers game with fixed prizes. On some game types you can even win with zero correct numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay tax on lottery winnings in Germany?
No. Lottery winnings are not subject to income tax in Germany, so the full prize is paid out. Only income you later earn from the money, such as interest, is taxable. More in lottery tax by country.
Can foreigners or tourists play German lotteries?
Yes. Paper tickets bought at an official Lotto outlet in Germany are valid for anyone aged 18 or over. Playing online on the state lottery websites requires an account with identity verification, which in practice is set up for residents of Germany.
Where does the money from German lotteries go?
About 40 percent of all stakes flows back to the states as lottery tax and dedicated funds: around €3.42 billion in 2024. That money supports grassroots sport, welfare, heritage conservation, culture and the environment. More on this in charity lotteries.
Sources: Deutscher Lotto- und Totoblock annual figures 2024, GlücksSpirale prize table. 18+ Play responsibly. Signs of a gambling problem
Glücksspielkommission
In Germany, the regulations and requirements for purchasing lotteries and lottery tickets apply at different points in time, depending on the lottery and company purchased. An important period when it was possible to gamble and play the lottery in Germany was the “Gambling Academy” of the “Gambling Commission”.
